The Valley of the Shadow of Death

In this episode of For the Good of the Public podcast, Michael speaks with Elizabeth Bruenig, a journalist at The Atlantic. Elizabeth’s series on the death penalty in Alabama tells stories in such a raw and humanizing way that it was named a finalist for the 2023 Pulitzer Prize for Feature Writing. This candid and deep conversation reflects on the issue as a moral and policy matter as well as reveal Elizabeth’s approach to her coverage and why these stories are important. She shares how keeping an open heart allows her to sustain in this difficult reporting while also informing her passion and motivation to continue to tell these stories.

Watch the video recording of this talk on YouTube!

“Inmates, they’re the forgotten ones of our society, and she tells these stories in a really raw and humanizing way.” -Phebe [02:02]

“What I see in the forgiveness that I’ve witnessed just doing this work is that forgiveness is a gift you give to other people.” -Elizabeth [18:47]

“In the end, I’m convinced that the state of our politics is a reflection of the state of our souls.” -Michael [28:08]

TIMESTAMPS

[00:00] Intro

[00:46] The importance of this conversation

[03:39] What led Elizabeth to Alabama

[07:02] Elizabeth’s approach to her reporting

[11:00] The influence of her work

[17:18] The virtue of forgiveness

[23:55] Keep an open heart